35 years with airline ending on B777. Started as FE on B707. The Recirc Fan system saves fuel using less bleed air from engine fan section. Yes, the Recirc system filters are effective. Pressurization air is even cleaner with air in and then out bypassing the Recirc Fan system. Reports from former pilot union is some crew are showing low O2 issues with mask on in cockpit. I wonder if Cabin Pax are also showing low O2 issues with mask on in flight. Over the years in flight Recirc Fans were shut off due to Galley oven smoke. So cabin air cleaned quicker with recirc fans off for a time. Cabin altitude was raised 1000 feet or more depending on actual aircraft altitude. Experience on Boeing was typical to have 5000 to 8000 ft cabin altitude. If flying above FL410 raising Cabin altitude may be temporary.

(Written on 04/15/2022)(Permalink)

(Found on another subject) I spent 35 years with a major airline flying prop, turboprop and jet aircraft. Some time ago the safety of recirculated cabin air was discussed. An airline reported super filtration of recirculated cabin air with high performance HEPA filters. Blocking the middle of 3 seats is worthless. At the same row left and right both window seats are getting the SAME recycled cabin air (with a high percentage of filtration). Airlines push recycled air because it saves fuel. If recycled air could not be an issue the aircraft would not have Recirc on/off switches (Boeing). There can be several reasons to turn off the recirc fans. It is not an "Abnormal" procedure. Galley is most likely source for smoke and or smell that you don't want to go round and round the aircraft several times. On long international flights right after takeoff I manually ran the cabin pressurization (which increased the mass air flow through the cabin).

(Written on 02/18/2022)(Permalink)

I remember VCV/GAFB from the 50s and F86 days. I sold papers at the base during the afternoons and lived in Victorville. My love of flying started then and eventually a career in aviation for 40 years. Some F86 pilots lived down the street for awhile and I pestered them no end about flying. My understanding is VCV is not a complete boneyard. Some a/c are held as temp storage.

(Written on 03/26/2021)(Permalink)

I agree with too much automation. 11 years here on the 707 from June 1966 to Dec 1977. All three positions served from FE, FO and CA. I remember one guy tell me to get the autopilot on as soon as I can. Perhaps after DC-6, DC-7 and Electra the aircraft for some serious air travel. 1966 cruise at .85 mach. Some guys up to .88 mach. Very noisy cockpit. Years later cruise at .82 or .825 for the 727, 767, 777. I got a quick look during video at the FO position. The panel seemed like the same as 1966. FE qual with depth of systems understanding helpful through newer aircraft. Many times when the glass cockpit came along was heard, "What is it doing now." The reply was always, "It is doing what you told it to do." As FE on night flight, I went back to use the lav. It was occupied. It was a time smoking was permitted. A small light was just above the cockpit door. I noticed wisps of cigarette smoke. Looking down the dim aisle there was a light layer of smoke on

(Written on 03/21/2021)(Permalink)

The Electra does bring back some memories. I was aircrew on the a/c in 1966 with American Airlines based at Boston. Airlines were expanding quickly and AAL was no different. As a side note during the year 1966 I was trained and flew as flight engineer and co-pilot on DC-6, DC-7, Electra and 707. At 25 years old I was sent to training both as a Flight Engineer and Co-Pilot. It is correct that the Electra was caught between the movement from piston props to pure jet aircraft. Engine power was impressive. During flight training both piston prop and jet stall training was to the approach to stall. My training on the Electra was power off, level flight and enter a full stall. The recovery was started when the aircraft was shaking so much you could not read the instruments. Application of full power blew the stall right off the wing. Engine out landing for AAL piston and jet aircraft was with one engine at idle simulating a 3 engine landing. For the Electra one outboard engin

(Written on 12/12/2020)(Permalink)

Retired pilot here. 5 years Navy, 35 years airline. 22,843 hours. Interesting read and comments. My take is the pilot in command during flight is constantly making or changing decisions based upon the variable inputs. Perhaps "The Pilot Brain" is a learned trait over time. It seems to me my thinking off the aircraft is more linear. I have heard the "I am God" comments and attitude. People handle command differently. During a flight and emergency the pilot in command decides a course of action that crew may not agree with. The crew is normally not directly responsible for any injuries or death.

(Written on 11/20/2020)(Permalink)

THANK YOU FOR ASKING ABOUT CABIN AIR. I logged on to address the issue but was disappointed your message is the only one. I spent 35 years with a major airline flying prop, turboprop and jet aircraft. Some time ago the safety of recirculated cabin air was discussed. An airline reported super filtration of recirculated cabin air with high performance HEPA filters. Blocking the middle of 3 seats is worthless. At the same row left and right both window seats are getting the SAME recycled cabin air (with a high percentage of filtration). Airlines push recycled air because it saves fuel. If recycled air could not be an issue the aircraft would not have Recirc on/off switches (Boeing). There can be several reasons to turn off the recirc fans. It is not an "Abnormal" procedure. Galley is most likely source for smoke and or smell that you don't want to go round and round the aircraft several times. On long international flights right after takeoff I manually ran the cabin pressu

(Written on 10/02/2020)(Permalink)

Wow! Including 707 in the conversation brings good memories. 54 years ago. So long on the a/c qualified on all 3 seats.

(Written on 08/21/2020)(Permalink)

Thanks for the information.

(Written on 08/21/2020)(Permalink)

I also agree. Boeing a/c are all over my logbook except for 737. Watching the slow progress to automation flying concerned me as well. As I recall reaching over to stab trim cutout switches gave time to evaluate and manually trim stab.

(Written on 08/21/2020)(Permalink)